Camp FAQ & Packing List

Is there a lifeguard when swimming?

Yes. During programs that are run by our association we require one lifeguard (over the age of 19) for every 40 swimmers.

Who teaches canoeing?

During programs run by our association we require an adult supervisor and the instructor must be adequately trained. Our summer camp staff are trained at the beginning of each year. All participants always wear a PFD while in and around the canoes.

Does someone sleep in the cabins with the campers?

Every cabin has 1 cabin leader that works with the campers during the day, and sleeps in the cabin with the campers at night.

Can we bring some of our own food?

No, please do not bring food to camp as it could be problematic for other campers with severe food allergies. We are also a peanut and tree nut free zone. All meals are provided by our kitchen team. Food left in cabins attracts wildlife. During Summer Camp, food brought up by campers will be taken away upon arrival.

What happens if something goes wrong in the middle of the night?

The cabin leader that is staying in the cabin is the first to deal with a situation. If additional help is needed, instructors are sleeping only a few meters away from all of the cabins. We have clear emergency procedures which all staff receive training for.

How far is camp to medical facilities?

The Squamish General Hospital is located just 20 kilometers away. If there is an emergency, an ambulance can come directly into camp. There is also a medical clinic in Squamish for minor injuries.

Are there any wild animal problems?

No. But because we live in the forest there is always an opportunity that an animal may be seen. Camp staff are trained in dealing with all the wildlife and we take many preventative measures to assure your safety.

What happens in an emergency?

The Evans Lake staff has special training and procedures to follow during an emergency. Our staff will help make sure everyone is safe.

What is your age group policy?

Campers are welcome to join a camp session as long as they turn the listed age group within the calendar year (ie. a 12 year old child with a birthday in December would be able to do OAK, and Teen Camp this summer, as they turn 13 this year)

WHAT ARE THE BUS TIMES TO/FROM SUMMER CAMP?

Old Yale Road School

10135-132 St, Surrey (132nd Street & Old Yale Road, 1km West of King George Hwy)

Departs for Camp: 10:00AM Return from Camp (Approximate time): 5:30PM

Patterson Skytrain Station

Located across from Central Park on Beresford Street at Patterson Street

Departs for Camp: 10:30AM Return from Camp (Approximate time): 5:00PM

Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

Meet the bus at the entrance to the Foot Passenger loading area.

Departs for Camp: 11:00AM

If arriving on the ferry, arrival should be planned for no later than 10:45AM or the first ferry prior to that time.

Return from Camp (Approximate time): 4:30PM

If taking a ferry home, campers will be placed on the first ferry departing 15 minutes after the bus arrives.

Sea to Sky Hotel

Gender Equity and Inclusion Policy

The Evans Lake Forest Education Society is proud to uphold human rights, values the inclusion of all members of our community and strives to create a safe and fun environment for everyone to explore forests.

We aim to create a welcoming environment irrespective of someone’s real or perceived sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, in particular but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, Two-Spirit, queer, and those who are questioning (LGBTTQ+). As an organization that recognizes everyone’s inherent uniqueness and value, we have a responsibility to create as safe a space as possible for our community.

We recognize that aspects of our infrastructure do emphasize gender binaries (such as gendered washrooms and cabins), but we pledge to accommodate people on a case-by-case basis, as a solution that works for one may not work for another.

As communities and people change, so too will terms and definitions. In that spirit, we refer readers to definitions commonly available in documents such as the ones listed below in the Links section.

Policy

Evans Lake is committed to:

Self-identification and determination – an individual is the authority on their own gender;

Confidentiality – that it is protected and respected;

Encourage open communication with anyone who requires accommodation to ensure the best experience possible;

Define appropriate language and behaviour expectations prior to arrival at camp through our orientation materials, and once campers arrive at camp in our first day orientation;

Ensuring that our site infrastructure is welcoming and aligns wherever possible with this policy; and

Ensure that our staff team has appropriate training that aligns with our policies and the needs of our community.

This policy applies to all members of the Evans Lake community including, but not limited to, campers, staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, parents, guests and all other persons who are invited to or who work on Evans Lake property. This policy also applies to harassment which may take place outside of Evans Lake property but which has the effect of or results in adversely affecting Evans Lake’s camp environment.